CaribouForge

Hi all,

I finally got my coal forge set up and have fired it once, now I'm finding that I don't remember how to tell whats coke and whats clinker anymore. Whats a good way of telling the two apart? FYI I am using coal to start with.

Thank You

That's good to know. Unfortunately I know nothing about them other than they are fire brick but I'm strongly leaning towards them being the bottom shelf cheapies. They are the very porous gray ones if that really means anything. I have another one to use up once this one is to far gone then I'll see about getting some better ones. Thanks.

That is a good possibility. Is there a trick to using flux around fire bricks without damaging them or is it just inevitable that they'll need to be replaced once and awhile?

I'm new to fire bricks in gas forges. Is it normal for the brick under the burner to partially melt or vitrify. I got my forge used and the brick in question was already heat damaged and upon firing the forge for more than a few minutes it becomes tacky.

Caribou will do. I've always been drawn to the northern biomes but life hasn't yet afforded me the pleasure of going. I'll get there someday though. I might just have to find a zoo with caribou in my area because that sounds amazing honestly. I might even get lucky with one of the petting zoos in my area, I know at least one of them has a surprisingly diverse cast of characters.

My anvil is at wrist height currently but I do have a half pallet that will be liberated from duty once I get my shear put back together and in place that I can use as step up. My shop has a dirt floor as as well so I can sink the anvil stand a bit if I want.

On 12/29/2021 at 1:41 AM, Frosty said:

My #1 piece of advice is, Don't rush? The only thing being in a hurry ensures is making mistakes permanent more quickly.

Honestly I don't really feel the need to rush with it, which is odd considering its not how I often approach things. But I don't have a specific goal for it other than simply being involved with the craft so maybe that's why I'm content to let it grow as it may.

That sounds like a good use for that half pallet I got laying around.

I'll have to give that a try. Thanks

39 minutes ago, JHCC said:

Welcome! Is there anything in particular that you're looking for information about?

Thank you! Right now my biggest question is on getting the right anvil height. I have read differing "Rules of Thumb" on the matter. What is the best way of determining the right height for me? Any advice on developing a good posture and hammer swing would be much appreciated as well.

48 minutes ago, George N. M. said:

Welcome aboard from 7500 feet above sea level in SE Wyoming.   Glad to have you along for the trip.  The craft can be a life long journey.  I've been on the trip for 43 years and it has been a good one.  Travel at your own pace and don't outrun yourself.  The key is to develop your own skills and style.  Tools only help in the process.  They are not an end all in themselves.  You can become a very good smith with very basic tools.

"By hammer and hand all arts do stand." 

Thank you for the welcome! I figured I'd just let things develop as they may and see where things take me, more fun that way. I do have some tooling but as of now only my anvil and forge are usable, more than enough to start playing with hot metal though. PS, what is the difference between a Nordic style and a German style hammer?

30 minutes ago, TWISTEDWILLOW said:

Howdy from eastern Oklahoma! Welcome to the forum! 

Thank you for the Welcome!

Long time listener, first time caller. After having just taken my fiist baby steps on my blacksmithing journey I figured it was high time I made an account here. I look forward to learning from everyone here along the way.